The Song Sparrow is a member of a very large family. His near relations
are found in many regions of the earth. In winter, fall and spring, he
is with us to represent his kind, and a fine representative he is, with
his good spirits and ever-ready song.
Field Marks: The red-brown line behind the Song Sparrow's eye, combined
with the tiny splash of black and brown which streaks his breast
are two marks by which the bird may be identified. The larger
blotch of color upon the breast is in the center of the "splash."
Song: This Sparrow is a musician of fine ability. The call note is but a
metallic "_chip_." The homing song is worthy of the attention of
any one who likes to hear good music in the out-of-doors. There is
no one song but rather a combination of songs which are varied
from time to time. The beginning of the song is usually of three
sustained introductory notes. The following notes rise in rapid
succession and are of a pure musical quality. The strain is a
cheerful, simple melody.
Nest: The nest of the Song Sparrow is built either upon the ground or in
bushes. It is made of coarse grasses, rootlets, dead leaves,
strips of bark and similar materials. The eggs, four or five in
number, are of a bluish white with brownish markings which are
often so numerous that they conceal the underlying color.
Food: The diet of the Song Sparrow consists largely of the seeds of
harmful weeds. It also feeds upon insects such as ants, beetles,
and weevils. The beak of this Sparrow is comparatively large and
strong. It is well adapted to open large seed pods in order to
reach and eat the kernel within.
Henry Van Dyke has written a little poem about the Song Sparrow. The
first stanza of the poem, from "Builders and Other Poems" is given here:
There is a bird I know so well,
It seems as if he must have sung
Beside my crib when I was young;
Before I knew the way to spell
The name of even the smallest bird,
His gentle, joyful song I heard.
Now see if you can tell, my dear,
What bird it is that every year,
Sings, "Sweet-sweet-sweet, very merry cheer."
[Illustration: _The Song Sparrow--6¼ inches_]